At the ceremony, Carl Girelli, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the College, addressed the graduates, their families, and other invited guests. In addition to congratulating the graduates on their achievement, he encouraged them to go forward and use their talents and skills to make the world a better place.

“Randolph prepares its students to engage the world critically and creatively, live and work honorably, and experience life abundantly,” Girelli said. “Like the thousands of alumnae and alumni who have come before you, you have the opportunity to make a difference.”

Some members of the graduating class are already employed or plan to continue their education in graduate school. Joseph Uzdavinis ’17, a biology major from Carrollton, Virginia, has been hired by Lynchburg General Hospital as a medical scribe.

“The tight-knit community and small class sizes here at Randolph have not only provided me with a great education, but also internship and job opportunities,” Uzdavinis said. “The Career Development Center and my professor, Dr. [Ann] Fabirkiewicz, recommended that I should apply for a medical scribe position. Now that I am working there I could not be more thankful, since the job is helping me to develop invaluable experience essential to my future career plans.”